Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer

Due diligence and feasibility studies are tools for managing construction project risk by evaluating project alternatives, challenges and hazards during the site acquisition, project conception, or financing stages. Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer can assist project developers, designers, and other stakeholders explore risks and opportunities associated with below-ground construction on urban sites.

Due Diligence & Feasibility Studies | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer All construction projects are subject to uncertainty. The success of a construction project can be greatly diminished when outcomes diverge from what is anticipated by project stakeholders. The work required to complete the project, the potential hazards encountered or the resulting costs can all va...

While proper project design and construction planning can reduce the likelihood and consequence of hazards, risk cannot be fully eliminated and project stakeholders are typically exposed to residual risks that must be managed. In construction practice, protective systems are often used to mitigate risk by reducing the likelihood or consequences of hazards and monitoring programs are used to control risks that cannot be economically mitigated.

Protection & Monitoring During Construction | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer Construction often exposes nearby structures and facilities to potentially adverse impacts, especially in the urban environment. While proper project design and construction planning can reduce the likelihood and consequence of hazards, risk cannot be fully eliminated and project stakeholders are ty...

Thoughtful, project-specific foundation design parameters and recommendations that are well coordinated with the site’s constraints, subsurface conditions, superstructure demands and likely construction methods, can help contain construction cost and manage risk. If your geotechnical report does not provide this, perhaps a second opinion is warranted.

Should You Have Your Geotechnical Report Peer Reviewed? | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer The foundation is one of the most critical components of any structure. Poor foundation design and construction can impair the serviceability of the entire structure and put adjacent structures at risk for movement and damage. The concepts, design parameters and construction considerations for a str...

August RJDCE Newsletter:
- 6th Annual Mid-Summer Reading - Content Special

6th Annual Mid-Summer Reading - Content Special     Sometimes Lightning Strikes Twice Severe flooding throughout the country this summer, in some cases occurring in areas still recovering from recent floods, provides a reminder: strong storms appea

Washington, DC Metro and Baltimore area design & construction professionals:
Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer provides niche services to contractors, design professionals and other stakeholders for projects in the urban environment, such as analysis and design of foundations, excavation support, underpinning and other temporary work, as well as assessment of existing structures and forensic investigations. These services are typically not available from base-building structural engineers and geotechnical/testing firms.

Washington, DC Metro / Baltimore | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer Both the Washington, DC and Baltimore metro areas have experienced a resurgence in development. Increasingly, this development has been taking place in or nearby traditional urban centers. These projects are characterized by the difficulties of building in a dense urban environment. Richard J. Drisc...

Owners of buildings that are to be underpinned as part of adjacent construction need to know what is involved. Underpinning by a third party constructor carries with it technical and legal implications and exposes the owner to risk that may not be managed by the adjacent construction project owner and their contractors and professionals in a manner optimal to the building owner.

What a Building Owner Should Know About Underpinning | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer An environmental consultant I know once showed me a photograph of a deep excavation he had visited on a site tour. The excavation had required underpinning of a couple of brick, bearing wall buildings on the lot lines. Underpinning is the term applied to a variety of methods used to resupport a stru...

Happy Professional Engineers Day!
Licensed Professional Engineers apply science, mathematics and technology to make the world a better place. They plan, design, model and assess the critical systems of buildings and infrastructure while protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public. Learn more about the importance of professional engineers and engineering licensing (via NSPE): https://www.nspe.org/resources/professional-engineers-day

Professional Engineers Day | National Society of Professional Engineers Celebrate Licensure and the Profession with PEs Around the World on August 7, 2024 for the ninth annual Professional Engineers Day! On August 8, 1907, the first professional engineering license was issued to Charles Bellamy in Wyoming. Since that time, licensure has expanded and professional enginee...

While commodity geotechnical services are less expensive, they often increase cost overall by incentivizing excessive conservatism in design, leading to higher cost of construction and also by increasing uncertainty during construction, leading to higher risk of claims and delays.

What’s Wrong with Commodity Geotechnical Reports | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer A couple of weeks ago, I was using a geotechnical report to develop a critical parameter for design of a particular foundation system. Like so many geotechnical reports I see, this report had many of the signs of being the product of commodity geotechnical services, as is often practiced when materi...

Unlike firms offering forensic services exclusively, who may function as an “expert-for-hire” or serve the insurance industry exclusively, Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer is an active engineering practice, able to apply practical design and construction experience to solve problems in a broad range of forensic matters.

Forensic Engineering | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer Forensic engineering services may be necessary when a structure or system fails to perform as expected. A performance failure may manifest as occupant discomfort or inconveniences, such as sloping floors or sticking doors or as various forms and degree of distress or as the incapacity of an element....

The design of foundations, underpinning, excavation support systems and other geotechnical construction have structural considerations, like design loads, concrete reinforcing and connection design that may be beyond the core capabilities of geotechnical firms. Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer can provide geotechnical engineers with analysis and structural design of foundation elements, earth-retention systems and other structures, as well as assistance with specifications and construction documents.

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Ordinarily, project owners and developers, along with their design team, do not need to be particularly concerned with temporary structures. They are merely the contractor’s “means and methods” and are the sole responsibility of the contractor. However, the owner and developer are stakeholders in the implementation of temporary systems on their project and should be concerned about the risks and rewards associated with temporary structures.

What Project Owners and Developers Should Know About Temporary Structures | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer Construction projects often require the design, construction and use of temporary structures to provide access or protection to workers or the public, to protect adjacent structures or to support temporary loads during construction. Examples of temporary structures include excavation support systems...

Working collaboratively with clients, Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer can assist A/E/C firms with a variety of technical, operational and business problems, allowing these firms to add capabilities and capacity in a way that serves the demands of their internal and external projects.

Problem Solving & Consulting for A/E/C Firms | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer Architecture, Engineering and Construction (A/E/C) firms solve problems every day in an environment of risk and uncertainty. A breath of knowledge, experience, and capabilities, and diverse perspectives and approaches are needed to develop solutions and manage risks effectively. A/E/C firms can bene...

With strong capabilities in foundation engineering and structural engineering, Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer can evaluate, specify and design a variety micropile foundation systems, including providing details for reinforcing and pile caps, load tests and other incidental work.

Micropiles | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer Micropiles are a versatile deep foundation type that is typically drilled into the ground and develops load-carrying capacity through the bond between the soil or rock and the cementitious grout that forms the body of the pile. Micropiles are differentiated from similar pile types, like augured pile...

One of the challenges of real-world engineering problems is the need to predict the behavior of a system which may be complex, dynamic, nonlinear and subject to uncertainty as to loading and response. Foundation problems are a good example of this.

Nonlinearity and the Foundation Engineer | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer One of the challenges of real-world engineering problems is the need to predict the behavior of a system which may be complex, dynamic, nonlinear and subject to uncertainty as to loading and response. Foundation problems are a good example of this. The behavior of a foundation is complex; it is a so...

July RJDCE Newsletter:
- What’s Wrong with Commodity Geotechnical Reports
- Foundation Engineering
- What is Geostructural Engineering?

What’s Wrong with Commodity Geotechnical Reports...and more     What’s Wrong with Commodity Geotechnical Reports While commodity geotechnical services are less expensive, they often increase cost overall by incentivizing excessive conservatism in design, leadi

Underpinning is a type of specialty construction with unique risks that can threaten the success of a project. Most underpinning systems are deceptively simple on paper. However, in practice, the design of an underpinning system must account for the behavior of the existing structure, the sequence of construction and the time-dependent and sometimes complex load and support conditions. Knowledge and experience with best practices are crucial for designers and constructors, alike.

Underpinning | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer Underpinning is the term applied to a variety of techniques used to re-support the foundation system for an existing structure when it is compromised or needs additional capacity, or if foundation support needs to be transferred to a deeper level to allow work that would otherwise cause foundation m...

In densely developed areas, abutting properties are often exposed to risk or otherwise affected by construction. That makes the abutting property owners stakeholders in the performance of the project, even if they are not beneficiaries of it. The process of negotiating an access agreement for work connected to an adjacent construction project presents the abutter with an opportunity to be informed about the proposed work, identify risks and mitigate those risks through conditions to the access agreement.

Construction Beyond Boundaries | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer With high property values and space at a premium, construction in cities and urban suburbs usually involves redeveloping or expanding the built-up area of a previously occupied lot or collection of lots in an established neighborhood. To maximize the utilization of land, projects are often designed....

Urban construction is different and requires different approaches to design and construction. What works for rural or suburban projects may be cost-prohibitive or high-risk on an urban site. Proactive risk management and consideration of constructability are important for project success

Urban Construction | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer The increased popularity of living and working in cities has placed greater demand on the built environment in urban centers. This demand has driven the construction of new residential and commercial buildings, but also has increased the need for the transportation and utility infrastructure necessa...

Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer (RJDCE) has experience with a variety of wood structures and wood-based materials ranging from nineteenth-century timber to modern structural composite lumber. RJDCE's capabilities in the design and assessment of wood structures are bolstered by knowledge of how wood structures deteriorate and experience managing uncertainty associated with natural materials and incomplete knowledge of existing conditions.

Wood Structures Wood is the most widely-used building material and represents an economical and sustainable choice applicable to a broad assortment of structure types and uses. Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer (RJDCE) has experience with a variety of wood structures and wood-based materials ranging from nin...

Boston area design and construction professionals:
Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer provides niche structural and foundation engineering and risk management services, including assessment of structures adjacent to construction, design of excavation support, underpinning, specialty foundations and structural components, as well as peer reviews, foundation investigations and services for abutters to construction sites.

Boston Area | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer In eastern Massachusetts, historic town centers, trolly suburbs and urban infill development radiate from the 'hub' that is Boston. The development density in the region varies widely and existing construction is highly diverse in terms of type and age. Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer (RJDC...

Happy Independence Day! Today commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which marked the birth of the United States of America. Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable holiday! 🇺🇸
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Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer (RJDCE) understands that design does not develop in a vacuum. As a small niche practice, RJDCE can offer flexibility to tailor a scope of services as broadly or as narrowly as the project demands. RJDCE's design services can range from consulting on concepts or preparation of a single specification to serving as engineer-of-record for foundations or structural systems and preparation of construction documents.

Design Services | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer (RJDCE) understands that design does not develop in a vacuum. The design phase is relatively short and design fees are typically a small proportion of construction costs and are minuscule compared to life-cycle costs. Yet the decisions made during the design....

When integrated with full-service foundation engineering, foundation and geotechnical investigations can optimize construction performance, and balance cost with risk. Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer can plan and oversee subsurface explorations and other foundation investigations, including borings and test pits, interpret the subsurface conditions, and devise project-specific design and construction recommendations.

Foundation Investigations | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer Investigations of subsurface conditions and existing below-ground structures provide an essential empirical basis for the analysis or design of foundations or geostructural systems. When integrated with full-service foundation engineering, these investigations can optimize construction performance,....

Lebanon City Hall, the municipal building for the city of Lebanon, New Hampshire, marked its centennial in 2023 after an extensive renovation. Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer provided underpinning specialty engineering in connection with the the renovation. While a small part of the overall project, the underpinning presented technical and practical challenges.

From the Files: Lebanon City Hall Underpinning | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer Last week, Lebanon Opera House, the nonprofit arts and culture organization that operates the performing arts venue of the same name, kicked off its celebration of the theater's centennial with a grand reopening following a multi-million dollar renovation project. The project featured modernized sea...

Successful construction projects and maintenance programs require effective risk management to balance potential recovery costs, user disruption, project delays and third-party claims resulting from a particular hazard, with the costs to reduce these risks. Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer can assist construction project stakeholders to manage their risks, especially the risks associated with foundation systems, below-ground construction and building on urban sites.

Construction Risk Management | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer Risk management is an iterative process, whereby potential deviations from the expected project outcomes are identified, the likelihood and consequence of these deviations assessed, and strategies devised to dispose of the resulting risks. Successful construction projects and maintenance programs re...

Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer (RJDCE) presents wide-ranging design and assessment experience in connection with civil and environmental structure projects. In addition, RJDCE can provide services incidental to civil and environmental structure projects, such as impact assessment of adjacent facilities, design of temporary works for construction and investigation of construction-related claims and failures.

Civil and Environmental Structures | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer Civil and environmental structures serve practical functions in connection with transportation or utility infrastructure or site development. They often have design considerations particular to their function that require an interdisciplinary approach to design and construction. Richard J. Driscoll,...

Structural Engineers:
Can you use some help? Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer provides services that complement base-building and bridge structural engineering, including analysis and design of foundations, below-ground structures and temporary works.

http://www.richardjdriscoll.com/services/architects-engineers/

“Geostrucutral engineering” is a term that has become increasingly common in the specialty foundation construction community in the past 10 to 15 years. Like too many terms in architecture, engineering and construction sector, it does not appear to have a consensus definition and may describe different things in different contexts.

What is Geostructural Engineering? | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer “Geostrucutral engineering” is a term that has become increasingly common in the specialty foundation construction community in the past 10 to 15 years. Like too many terms in architecture, engineering and construction, it does not appear to have a consensus definition and may describe different...

Since 2015, Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer has completed a diverse variety of engagements in connection with residential, commercial and institutional buildings, water, wastewater and transportation infrastructure, construction claims and performance failures.

Projects | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer Since 2015, Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer (RJDCE) has completed a diverse variety of engagements in connection with residential, commercial and institutional buildings, water, wastewater and transportation infrastructure, construction claims and performance failures. Every project is uniq...

Construction projects often include incidental structural components and elements that are not part of, or are designed separately from the main structural systems. Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer is well suited for these small and diverse assignments.

Incidental Structures, Components & Connections | Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer Construction projects often include incidental structural components and elements that are not part of the main structural systems or are designed separately from the main structural systems. These incidental structures may include supports for architectural systems and equipment, connections, tempo...